Critics slam Victorian plan for mandatory youth rehabilitation

Detailed summary

The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) has slammed the state Labor government’s election commitment to establish a new regime of detention and forced rehabilitation for…

The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) has slammed the state Labor government’s election commitment to establish a new regime of detention and forced rehabilitation for youth offenders.

Premier Ben Carroll has pitched the $204 million proposal as an Australian first that would lock young offenders into intensive rehabilitation while detained 24/7 for up to 12 months.

He described the proposal as “tough love” to help children turn their lives around.

VALS said in a statement the proposal is a “punitive and unimaginative election commitment” that shows politicians are prepared to sacrifice children’s futures for votes.

“When it comes to vulnerable young people, the major parties seem to have only two election promises: lock them up or shut them out of their communities,” said VALS CEO, Nerita Waight, a proud Yorta Yorta and Narrandjeri woman with Taungurung connections.

“Cells and silence are no substitute for leadership, compassion and meaningful reform,” said Waight.

She said the government has made this election commitment without meaningfully consulting the Aboriginal Community Controlled sector, and that its approach stands in stark contrast to the government’s commitments under Victoria’s historic Treaty.

The policy comes ahead of a state election this month, with Labor vying for a fourth term in a three-cornered race against the Liberal-National coalition and One Nation.

Labor has promised to create a new ‘Mandatory Therapeutic Order’ designed to provide an additional option for courts beyond community corrections orders or a custodial sentence.

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